Arsenal are working on a deal to land Cech amid growing competition from United, who have identified the 33-year-old as a possible replacement for David de Gea, who is expected to move to Real Madrid this summer.

The Gunners are favourites to sign Cech but United’s interest could turn his head even though it is understood that the Czech international is settled in London with his family and keen to remain in the capital.

There is a clear sense that Chelsea will allow their long-serving goalkeeper to decide his future out of respect for his considerable achievements during his 11 years at Stamford Bridge, in which he has won every major honour.